SBIR Phase II: Autonomous Data Relay System Utilizing Low-Earth Orbit Satellites

小企业创新研究（SBIR）第二阶段项目将开发一个数据中继系统，利用铱低地球轨道（LEO）卫星进行远程指挥，控制和极地地区远程科学平台的数据检索。 私营部门生产的各种商业低地球轨道卫星通信系统，用于各种类型的语音和数据中继，现已进入或即将进入运行状态。由于靠近地球，可以使用它们的低功率、轻型发射器和接收器以及全向天线。 商业低地球轨道网络为偏远地区的科学平台提供了大量机会，包括双向通信、实时数据传输、全球覆盖和降低成本。 因此，科学平台可以由科学家在他们的家庭实验室和机构实时监测、调整和重新校准。 第二阶段将制造一个原型铱数据中继系统。 在与南极支助协会和马里兰州大学物理科学和技术研究所的合作下，第二阶段将把铱数据中继系统纳入自动地球物理观测台，以核查数据检索计划的运作情况，并展示双向通信的可行性。 预计在极地研究行动、大气和水文研究漂流浮标数据的中继、搜索和救援行动以及环境研究和监测无人驾驶飞行器的指挥/控制方面有潜在的应用。 其他潜在的应用包括简化商业专业人士、电视网络记者、建筑工程师、地质学家和居住在人口稀少地区的人们的通信。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop a data relay system utilizing the Iridium Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites for telecommand, control, and data retrieval from remote science platforms in polar regions. A variety of commercial LEO satellite communications systems produced by the private sector for voice and data relay of all types are now in, or will soon achieve, operational status. Being close to Earth, their low-power, lightweight transmitters and receivers and omni-antennas can be used. Commercial LEO networks offer considerable opportunities for science platforms in remote regions, including two-way communications, real-time data transmissions, global coverage, and reduced costs. As a result, science platforms can be monitored, adjusted, and re-calibrated by scientists in real-time at their home laboratories and institutions. A prototype Iridium data relay system will be fabricated under Phase II. In a collaboration with Antarctic Support Associates and the University of Maryland Institute for Physical Science and Technology, Phase II will integrate the Iridium data relay system into an Automated Geophysical Observatory to verify the operation of the data retrieval scheme and to demonstrate the feasibility of two-way communications. Potential applications are expected in polar research operations, in relay of drifting buoy data for atmospheric and hydrological research, search and rescue operations, and command/control of unmanned aerial vehicles for environmental research and monitoring. Other potential applications include the simplification of communications for business professionals, reporters for television networks, construction engineers, geologists, and people who live in thinly populated areas.